Simon Birch and Leo Pichler shared the Porsche 911 GT3 R of Razoon – more than Racing in the ADAC GT Masters. A good relationship, trust and mutual respect are essential, in order to be able to perform out on the track. But aside from tenths of seconds, tyre pressure and set-up, how well do the two team-mates really know each other? The answer, and a few anecdotes, can be found in this rather different interview.
Which of you would find a hotel?
Leo Pichler: “Me!”
Simon Birch: “Yes, definitely Leo!”
Leo Pichler: “I do it more often anyway. But generally speaking, for example when we fly together, I see to it that I organise everything at the airport and check when we need to be where.”
Simon Birch: “I just do what he does. But I’m really good at that!” (laughs)
Who has the bigger suitcase?
Simon Birch: “As a general rule, it is probably very similar. However, if we are only talking about things for driving, then my suitcase is definitely larger. I take a lot of stuff when I go racing.”
Which of you is more punctual?
Simon Birch: “We are both punctual people.”
Leo Pichler: “True. I don’t think there has been a single team meeting or other event so far, at which one of us has arrived late.”
Which of you has the better taste when it comes to food?
Simon Birch: “I think Leo. He also really enjoys cooking.”
Leo Pichler: “I agree. For example, when we went out to a restaurant together during the 24-hour race in Dubai, Simon simply said: You choose something and I’ll have the same as you.” (laughs)
Simon Birch: “As I told you, I am very good at doing what he does.” (laughs)
Which of you is most likely to have a heated discussion with your engineer or team principal?
Simon Birch: “I think I am sometimes more direct, while Leo is more the kind of person who keeps things to himself and does not want to rub people up the wrong way. To clear things up and move in the right direction, you sometimes have to address things clearly and to the point. In my opinion, there have not really been any major issues this season that have needed a heated discussion. It has just been about tactics and certain scenarios.”
Which of you is most addicted to using your mobile phone?
Leo Pichler: “That’s hard to say, but I think it is probably me. The classic apps, like Instagram.”
Which of your partner’s attributes would you gladly adopt?
Leo Pichler: “His ambition. He is very consistent and ambitious in the way he pursues his goals, and I can definitely take a leaf out of his book in that regard.”
Simon Birch: “Leo is a very calm guy, whatever happens. I can learn from him in that respect. Generally speaking, we both have characteristics that complement each other perfectly. That is why we work together superbly as team-mates.”
Which of you has the most annoying habit, and what is it?
Leo Pichler: “That he always wants to be number one.”
* General laughter *
Simon Birch: “As Leo already mentioned, I am very ambitious and am never satisfied if I am not number one. However, I believe that is a good thing and how it should be. I cannot actually think of anything annoying about Leo. It is great fun working together.”
